When searching for a place to live, many focus on finding the best and safest areas in Perth. While Perth is often praised as a great city to call home, it’s important to also consider the suburbs that may not offer the same appeal.
Unlike the East Coast, some suburbs in Perth may have potential but are generally not recommended for living. If a place is widely regarded as unsuitable for residency, it’s worth taking a closer look.
Whether you’re a local or planning a move to Perth, understanding the areas with higher crime rates is essential. To provide a clearer understanding, we have identified six suburbs in Perth that consistently face significant challenges.
Our goal is to provide an analytical view, encouraging readers to consider the data while remembering that every community is complex and always changing.
Want More In-depth Info? As you consider homeownership in Perth, it’s essential to be well-informed. Deepen your understanding with our dedicated article on buying a house in Perth and the best suburbs in Perth.
1. Cannington
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If you’re considering moving to Perth, Cannington might not be at the top of your list.
According to the Western Australia Police, Cannington has a significant crime rate three times the state average. Moreover, this particular suburb has faced significant challenges in recent years.
With limited housing growth and socio-economic difficulties, it is one of one of the more disadvantaged areas in the region.
Having said that, Cannington is one of the cheapest places to rent in Perth compared to other suburbs. Property prices in Cannington are still relatively low compared to other suburbs.
However, the median house price is barely rising, meaning potential buyers and renters won’t have much return on investment. When there is no investment in the suburb, there is no potential for cash flow for development.
Regarding the quality of life, Cannington, as it is in Perth Hills, also ranks low, with many residents complaining about feeling unsafe due to high crime levels and vandalism.
2. Gosnells
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Some might consider Gosnells one of the worst suburbs in Perth. Moreover, it is like Gooseberry Hill, scoring low on several separate criteria. Its property values have been steadily declining for years, and there is a shortage of amenities that add to the liveability.
The decline in property value presents significant concerns. The value of a property is typically associated with its appreciation, not depreciation.
Additionally, there is a lack of job opportunities and quality schools within the area despite being relatively close to the CBD. With many prospective residents prioritising access to these, there is less attraction to this neighbourhood.
Moreover, the transportation present challenges. Gosnells heavily relies on public buses, which operate infrequently, making it challenging to navigate the area without a personal vehicle. This limited access to convenient transportation can lead to feelings of isolation and hinder opportunities for employment or accessing necessary services.
According to Perth Crime Map, the crime rates here are also high—most notably, there were several serious incidents involving drugs and vandalism reported in the area within the last year.
It has further contributed to the perception that Gosnells is a less desirable place to live, driving property values down further.
3. Armadale
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Armadale, unfortunately, ranks as one of the areas facing significant challenges in Perth. This suburb is currently grappling with economic and infrastructural difficulties, leading to a sense of disconnection and neglect among its residents.
The median house price in Armadale experienced a significant decline, dropping from $649,000 in 2019 to $485,000 in 2020 due to the housing affordability crisis. This drastic decline is concerning, particularly when considering the financial hardships experienced by the local community.
The suburb has been significantly impacted by unemployment, and inadequate wages, exacerbating the financial struggles faced by its residents.
Furthermore, Armadale unfortunately bears one of the highest crime rates in Perth, with approximately one crime being committed every three hours, as reported by the WA Police Force.
It is essential for both residents and visitors to take necessary precautions to prioritise their safety and security in this area. The prevalence of crime makes vigilance and proactive measures imperative.
It is important to approach these matters with sensitivity, acknowledging the challenges faced by the community and the need for comprehensive solutions to address the issues affecting Armadale.
4. Midland
Image credit: By Mitch Ames – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
Midland, unfortunately, faces challenges that impact its overall liveability, connectivity, and accessibility, which have led to its reputation as one of the more challenging suburbs in Perth.
Its distance from the central area and other popular destinations poses difficulties in terms of transportation, particularly for those without access to a personal vehicle.
Accessibility to the central business district is an important factor to consider when evaluating the appeal of a suburb, and the distant proximity of Midland raises a notable concern.
Additionally, the area has been identified with a higher crime rate compared to other regions in Western Australia. This has prompted an increased police presence in Midland due to the rising number of reported crimes. It is crucial to take this information into account when assessing the desirability and safety of the area.
5. Rockingham
Image credit: By Calistemon – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
Rockingham, one of the most populous suburbs in Perth, can be a difficult place to live when it comes to limited job prospects and potential coastal erosion. Coastal erosion is unfortunately impacting the aesthetics of the neighbourhood.
Rockingham’s job market is not as vast as other places, with a particularly limited range of professional opportunities. Moreover, the suburb has few large companies, meaning that locals are often forced to travel to Perth city centre for work.
6. Mandurah
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When it comes to the worst suburbs in Perth, Mandurah often makes the list. Located south of the city, Mandurah is an isolated suburb, far away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It has a shrinking population. Consequently, there can be a lack of services in this area.
The median house price in Mandurah is on the lower side compared to Perth’s overall market at $341,000. While there are some amazing properties here, investing in a property or renting can be risky.
FAQs on ‘ Worst Suburbs In Perth’
Additional Reading: Are you a Sydneysider? Explore the Worst Suburbs in Sydney instead!
Are there any good suburbs in Perth?
Yes! While some suburbs may not be desirable for certain reasons, there are plenty of great places to live in Perth. There are cheap apartments for rent in Perth that may be a good fit for you.
Be sure to do your research before making your decision on where to move.
Is it safe to live in these suburbs?
Safety should always be a factor when considering any neighbourhood. we recommend researching crime statistics and talking to residents to get an honest opinion on how safe they feel living there.
Try interviewing the residents.
What is the cost of living like in these suburbs?
As with the general living cost in Perth, the cost of living in any particular area depends on several factors such as housing costs, transportation costs, food costs, and more. Be sure to compare the cost of living between different neighbourhoods if you’re considering moving to Perth.
Which Suburbs Have the Highest Crime Rate in Perth?
Suburbs like Armadale, Balga, and Mirrabooka often have higher crime rates. While these areas offer more affordable housing, the safety concerns may be a drawback for potential residents.
What Are the Poor Suburbs in Perth?
Some of the worst-performing suburbs based on insurance claims in 2016 include Gosnells, Morley, Thornlie, Balga, Dianella, Baldivis, East Victoria Park, Armadale, Canning Vale, Beechboro, and Como. These areas report higher rates of theft and break-ins.
What’s the Safest Suburb in Perth?
Suburbs like City Beach, Floreat, and Dalkeith are among the safest in Perth. These areas have low crime rates and strong community ties, making them ideal for families and individuals seeking security.
What Are the Most Disadvantaged Suburbs in Perth?
Mandurah is considered the most disadvantaged suburb in Greater Perth, followed by Balga, Mirrabooka, Armadale, Wungong, Brookdale, and Girrawheen. These areas face more socioeconomic challenges compared to other suburbs.
What Is the Nicest Area of Perth?
Cottesloe, a favorite for beach lovers, and Subiaco, known for its mix of historic charm and modern living, are some of the best suburbs in Perth. Other top areas include East Perth, Fremantle, Applecross, Joondalup, and Mt Lawley.
Which Is the Most Expensive Suburb in Perth?
Peppermint Grove is Perth’s most expensive suburb, with a median house price of $3.7 million. Cottesloe and Dalkeith follow closely with median prices of $3.5 million.
